‘House of Kalam’ launches international foundation

Chennai: Three months after former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam died, his family ‘House of Kalam’ has launched an international foundation to carry forward his good deeds and accomplish the vision envisaged by the missile man.

At a low-key function organised at the Chinmaya Heritage Centre, legendary music director Illayaraja officially launched the logo of the foundation and pledged his support for the initiative. Illayaraja said no film star or politician in the world matched Dr Kalam’s popularity. Popular film stars Lawrence and Sivakarthikeyan were present.

The family promised that it will realise the dreams of Dr Kalam and hold his flag of education and human values. Dr Naseema Marikaya, who is Kalam’s niece and founder chairperson of the foundation, said Dr Kalam has already laid the path and the foundation will just follow it.

While paying the tributes, Mr V. Ponraj, scientist, recalled an incident that when Dr. Kalam visited Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha to set-up missile testing facility. The boat in which he was travelling was in disrepair and everyone else was scared for his life, but Dr Kalam was drawing a roadmap on how to establish the facility.

“I am happy that Odisha government has named the Wheeler Island as Abdul Kalam Island”. Mr Vijayaraghavan, a former adviser to PM, said: “I used to be the biggest critic of Dr Kalam which was why he loved me and we became very close”. Mr Rajesh Lakhoni, agricultural production commissioner and secretary to TN government, said Dr Kalam has changed his life.